Sorry - this might be TMI for some readers but it's starting to get me down....
I've suffered from mild IBS for years, generally triggered by anxiety (is there a loo nearby? should I go before I leave the house? etc) but recently it's been much worse whenever I'm eating out or at someone's house. I'm not allergic/intolerant to any particular foods and but when in a restaurant, either during or after my meal, I urgently need to use the loo and it's always loose stools. Sometimes I have to go at the restaurant and others I rush home and have to go straight away. I'm sure it's psychological as it does NOT happen when I eat at home. I try and keep calm and take my mind off it but I can feel the stress levels increasing which just seems to exacerbate the situation.
I usually LOVE going out to eat and trying new foods etc but it's really starting to get me down, the anxiety of needing the loo is not fun.
A couple of occasions I've taken Immodium a couple of hours before going out and that has helped somewhat to calm the symptoms and relieve the urgency.
Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm wondering if taking probiotics might help? I have to add I'm 48 and perimenopausal, and have recently had a blood test showing I have low vitamin B12, not sure if that is making it worse?
Thanks for reading.